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Help! Shrinking Budget Build : )

BVCU

Junior Member
Hi,

It seems the longer i wait trying to figure out what build to go with...the more my budget shrinks. (why does beer have to taste so good)


I will be using my PC to play CIV 4 (and hopefully 5 when it comes out) Empire Earth 2 and Making History 2. and either Modern Warfare 2 or Bad Company 2. I'll probably be playing those FPS games less....and i really don't care about graphics as far as those go. So i'd be willing to drop settings to absolute min. Just to get a decent frame-rate.


Other than that, i'll be surfer the web and downloading music....maybe the odd movie.

I don't have a monitor....but i imagine i'll get a 1920x1080......though as i said, i'm not needing to play graphic intensive games on that resolution. I'll probably only play those FPS games an hour at a time...or like 2 hours a week...so i'd have no problem lower the resolution just to get my quick combat fix.


(please don't just reply telling me to get an xbox)((as i need a new comp))


My budget is around 700 dollars (MAX) ((600 ideal)) including operating system. (not monitor)

I'd LOVE to come in as under budget as possible. My parts will be bought in canada.


I will not be using any of my old components. As my computer is ancient. I believe it was produced sometime around 1300 A.D. and referred to as "magical glowing box".


I don't really have a brand preference....but it seems AMD is only reasonable option.


I have no plans on over-clocking....nor do i know what it is. lol

I'm planning on building this (getting a local store to build it for me) as soon as possible. Like as soon as you good folks give me a good idea. I've been going back and forth on what to build and spend for about a month and a half....and my budget has shrunk along with my expectations. Now, i just want to get it done right away.....and worry about a "dream" build in the future.



I have searched and come up wiith some ideas...but don't know much about motherboards or compatability etc.... .


I believe i've narrowed the graphics card down to a 4670 1gb DDR3. That seems to be the best card for my needs. (though i'm not totally sure or anything)

As far as CPU goes...athlon 620? or the dual core phenom? I don't know. As i said, those are the only games i'm interested in (listed above)......so i'm not worried about hyperthreading or crossfire or future gaming or anything. (other than civ5, but those games are usually low graphics anyhow)(and if it's an issue, it's ok)




I've got no idea about PSU. Does a case with a PSU have enough power on its own? or do you need to buy a PSU also?



So my main goal here, is to come in on budget or below. As i'm going to be playing mostly older games and websurfing.


Hope that is enough info. thanks
 
Video Card: ATI 5670 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102871 $94

CPU: AMD athlon II X3 435 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16819103724 $79

MoBo: ASrock m3a770DE http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16813157176 $67

Case+PSU(500W): Rosewill TU-155 II 500 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16811147117 $70

Memory: Kingston Hyper X 2GB 1333 DDR3 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104181 $70

HDD + DVD drive: ~$80 (320 GB + DVD writer)

OS: Windows 7 home premium 64 bit $120

Total: $580

EDIT: If I were you I'll go for 4GB of memory for $30 more.
 
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Hi, thanks for replying.

I think you're right, that CPU makes sense.

Though the motherboard seems to have a fair share of bad reviews mixed with the good. Do you think you could suggest a more reliable or atleast seemingly more reliable motherboard for around the same price. (i get the feeling the one you suggested tries to do too much for the price)

Also the harddrive seems a little small. Do you think theres a 500 GB that would make more sense? And also, does it matter??? Like do i nec. need to go with the type of harddrive you suggested...or can i just pick any hard drive and will it work fine with the CPU you suggested?
 
Though the motherboard seems to have a fair share of bad reviews mixed with the good. Do you think you could suggest a more reliable or atleast seemingly more reliable motherboard for around the same price. (i get the feeling the one you suggested tries to do too much for the price)
I suggested this motherboard based on the user reviews 78% gave more than 4 stars and it has the most number of reviews after ASUS(~$90 BTW).

Other than overclocking potential this board seems fine. In fact its a no frills board looking perfect for your usage, IMHO.

Also the harddrive seems a little small. Do you think theres a 500 GB that would make more sense? And also, does it matter??? Like do i nec. need to go with the type of harddrive you suggested...or can i just pick any hard drive and will it work fine with the CPU you suggested?
I did not suggest any hard drive :sneaky: I just mentioned the price of that. Any way for your usage you can select any drive from western digital, samsung, segate, hitachi. Just select the least expensive 7200 rpm, SATA drive from the above manufacturers a 500 GB drive would cost you around $80.

I gave first priority to your budget, so if you are not happy with the motherboard and HDD we would have to cut some corners elsewhere or you will have to go above your budget.

Also, adding a second drive is no big deal.... can add it whenever you have some money to spare.
 
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